The Komodo Dragon is the largest lizard in the world with an average length of 2-3 m and a weight up to 150 KG. The large size is related to enlargement tendency the growing body of certain animals that live on a small island because of the absence of carnivore mamals on the island where komodo live, and decreasing the rate of metabolism smaller dragon. Because of their size these lizards occupy the position of a top predator that dominate the ecosystems in which they live.

Komodo Dragons were eatingGNU Free Documentation License

Komodo Dragons were found by western researchers in 1910. Their bodies have great and amazing reputation which makes them popular in the zoos. Komodo Dragons in the wild habitat have been shrink by human activities and therefore IUCN inserted Komodo Dragons as a vulnerable species to extinction. The large lizard (komodo) is now protected under Indonesian law and a national park, namely Komodo National Park, established to protect them.

Having low abilities concerning hearing and vision, Komodo Dragons use the sense of smell as a primary food detector. They have a forked tongue for flavor processing through a special organ in the roof of their mouth, almost in the same way as snakes do. Komodo Dragons have large claws which enable them to climb on trees, additionally they are able to swim. On land they reach a speed up to 20 km/h. As cold blooded reptiles they like to heat up their bodies especially in the morning-time after having been cooled down in the colder nights.

The bites of these animals are very vulnerable because of the bacteria that live in the mouth of these lizards, but the researchers showed that the direct effect that appears at the bite wounds were caused by the entry of medium venom.

Komodo Dragon’s saliva also has a variety of deadly bacteria in it, if a bitten prey is not outright killed and can escape, the unlucky prey generally will die within a week because of the infection. The most deadly bacteria in the saliva of Komodo Dragons is the bacterium Pasteurella multocida which seems highly lethal, it is known through experiments in lab mices. Because the Komodo Dragon seemed immune to its own microbes, much research was done to find antibacterial molecules in the hope it can be used for human treatment.

Komodo Island is an island located in the Nusa Tenggara island, Eastern part of Indonesia. The island is known as the Komodo dragon habitat for native animals. This island is the Komodo National Park which managed by the Central Government. Komodo Island is located in the eastern of the island Sumbawa, which is the western end of East Nusa Tenggara Province, bordering the province of West Nusa Tenggara.
On this island, komodo animals live and breed well. In this island there are about 1,318 in number. There is also another island, such as the nearby island of Rinca Island which a habitat for native animals of ancient komodo. Rinca island also became one of the of the island which belong to the Komodo National Park.

Why komodo island more famous? That is because the island of Komodo was the place where the first komodo discovered by Dutch Lieutenant, Steyn van Hens Broek in the early 20th century, and later named by the name of that animal.

Besides the two large islands, there are two other islands are included in Komodo National Park, and became komodo habitat, that are : 1. Gili Motang Island, with 68 populated komodo, and 2. Pulau Padar, populated 86 komodo.

Every tourists who visit the island of Komodo would be taken to travel to Rinca Island. In this island tourists will be invited to explore the tracks along the 2 km-8 km to visit komodo habitat, as well as on the Komodo Island. Track length and duration of the trip depends on the choice of tourists.

In komodo native habitat, visitors must be accompanied by tour guides (rangers) who are trained to deal with komodo. Tourists are also highly discouraged out of the group.

If we look at a glance, we might think komodo are lazy animals. Komodo also prefer silent or walking slowly. In fact, they can run at speeds 16 miles-18 miles per hour when chasing prey. They also can swim up to 500 meters. Tail and fangs are the power of them. Komodo classified as vicious animals. They are very sensitive to the smell of blood, even smell the blood within 5 km and are also sensitive to sudden movement and noise. If they have the disorder, komodo can be agitated and aggressive.

When face the attack from komodo, the ranger will hit the ancient animal’s neck with branches sticks which he always carried. Try not to get hurt when tracking or walking around.

Planning determination of the Komodo National Park as the New Seven Wonders of Nature in mid-May 2012 will make Komodo Island will be known around the world and is expected to attract more local and foreign tourists.